Federal prosecutors are nearing a decision to deliver potential perjury costs in opposition to former FBI Director James Comey, with a authorized deadline expiring on Tuesday, in accordance to individuals acquainted with the investigation.
The probe, run by federal prosecutors on the US Attorney’s Office for Virginia’s jap district, is analyzing whether Comey made false statements throughout his September, 30, 2020, testimony to Congress on his dealing with of the investigation into Russian meddling within the 2016 US presidential election, individuals acquainted with the matter mentioned. Prosecutors, beneath legal regulation, usually would solely have 5 years to the day to deliver a charge.
If a federal grand jury had been to approve the case by subsequent week, it could mark one of many highest-profile indictments of a political determine throughout President Donald Trump’s second time period in workplace – and in opposition to one of many longtime figures whom Trump and his political allies detest essentially the most from what they name the “deep state” of the federal authorities.
Comey hasn’t been charged with a criminal offense and has maintained in testimony that he’s been truthful beneath oath. An legal professional representing Comey within the matter hasn’t responded to requests for remark from NCS on Thursday.
Casey Gannon, Aileen Graef and Betul Tuncer contributed to this report.